DEARBORN (WWJ) – Hundreds gathered outside of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn Thursday evening for an interfaith program at the mosque where pastor Terry Jones plans to protest on Good Friday.

Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron of the Catholic Archdioceses of Detroit: “We have an opportunity to show the nation and the world, that it is possible for people of many different faiths to respect one another and to foster mutual understanding,” Vigneron says.

WWJ’s Beth Fisher reports that members of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities were looking to send a message of religious tolerance by standing arm-in- arm outside the mosque.

“What we see today, standing before the Islamic Center is the real America, this is the real Christian community, and we believe that Terry Jones is speaking for himself only, and I believe that the Muslim community should not react at all to his provocation,” says Mosque leader, Imam Al Qazweeni.

Al Qazweeni is encouraging Muslims to stay away to avoid any conflict Friday, if Jones does go ahead with his protest.

“I believe that the show of solidarity we had today (Thursday) is an absolute evidence that Muslims and Christians stand on the same stage together and enjoy excellent relationship,” says Al Qazweeni.